Open Pride
The US Open’s Open Pride is a landmark celebration of LGBTQ+ excellence in sports and culture.
Now in its fourth year, Open Pride honors LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and allies with a full day of programming, including on-site activations and a stadium-wide LED light show at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Inspired by the 2019 “Love All” panel, the event centers LGBTQ+ voices and fosters visibility at one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
This year’s celebration featured a powerful panel discussion, a queer marching band, and a lineup of community performances that brought energy, joy, and pride to the grounds.
Role
I oversaw end-to-end talent & event production management across community programming, enhancing brand equity and guest experience during one of the world’s most-watched tournaments. This included talent procurement and pre-event communications to on-site logistics and experience design. I worked closely with the USTA and key partners to deliver seamless, high-touch engagements that celebrated identity and inclusion with intention and impact
Creative Concept & Decor Direction
Brand Identity, Messaging & Digital Graphics
Talent Procurement, Pre-Event Coordination & On-Site Management
Guest Journey Strategy, RSVP Management, Check-In & VIP Handling
Branded Swag Fulfillment & Distribution
Impact Made
50,000+ Guests Engaged through Fan Week activations across the grounds, part of the record-breaking 799,402 main draw attendees in 2023
Four Live LGBTQ+ Performances managed and executed, including marching band, cheer, a cappella, and drag bingo
Talent & Programming Across 5 Zones, from the main entrance to indoor hospitality spaces
High-Visibility Activations During Peak Hours, reaching thousands of fans as gates opened each day
Fully Integrated LGBTQ+ Storytelling within a globally broadcast sporting event, contributing to the US Open's continued commitment to inclusion
Pride Performances & Activations
As the gates opened, the Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band welcomed fans onto the grounds, setting the tone for a vibrant day of LGBTQ+ visibility at the US Open. I managed talent and activations, including high-energy performances by Gotham Cheer and Smoke Ring A Cappella, as well as a lively drag bingo experience—seamlessly integrating community-driven moments throughout Fan Week to create a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.
Chosen Family Panel
The 2023 Open Pride event featured a standout panel discussion and networking event on the power of chosen family in the LGBTQ+ community. Held in the US Open’s indoor event space, the conversation brought together award-winning actor and activist Wilson Cruz (Star Trek: Discovery), Emmy-winning director Luchina Fisher, Odessa Jenkins, CEO of the Women’s National Football Conference, and TikTok sensations @RainbowDads, who have over 1M followers sharing their life as gay parents.
“Nothing can accelerate inclusion and equity like the power of sport, and there is no sport that is more global, that is more inclusive, that is more accessible than tennis”
